News: Government accepts Grenfell inquiry recommendations The UK government has accepted all recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry with strict new building safety measures. Further information: https://www.fia.uk.com/news/government-responds-to-grenfell-inquiry-with-strict-new-building-safety-measures.html News: Awaab’s law Awaab’s Law will come into force from October 2025, placing tougher duties on social landlords regarding dangerous damp and mould. This will be introduced via an amendment to schedule 1 to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005. Further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/awaabs-law-to-force-landlords-to-fix-dangerous-homes News: Waste fire extinguishers used for training The Government has outlined the rules for using waste fire extinguishers for training purposes. Further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-waste-fire-extinguishers-for-training-rps-221/using-waste-fire- extinguishers-for-training-rps-221 News: Lithium-Ion battery fires Fires caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries have emerged as a major concern in recent years. There are two new papers on the subject this month. One from the Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS) written from the perspective of building protection. The other is research from a product safety perspective looking at e-bikes and scooters. Further information: https://www.cross-safety.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/cross_topic_paper_fire_safety_concerns_with_lithium- ion_batteries.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-light-electric-vehicle-plev-battery-safety-research News: Violence in the workplace Statistics have been published on the topic of violence at work in England and Wales. In the year 2023/24 1.1% of workers suffered work-related violence, with 35% of cases resulting in physical injury. Protective service occupations, health and social care were highest risk. Further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/violence/index.htm News: Mirror tipped over onto child An inquest into the death of a five-year-old boy has concluded the 80Kg mirror falling onto him was an accident. The accident at the Fenwick store in Colchester may yet lead to criminal charges. Further information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g3x5yw4glo News: Battery energy storage systems The HSE has published a new web page with details of safety, environmental and planning responsibilities for battery energy storage systems. Further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/battery-energy-storage-systems.htm News: CITB shake-up An independent review has called for a ‘fundamental reset’ of the CITB. It includes recommendations to focus on the whole workforce rather than new entrants and to change the levy-grant system. The government wishes to see a merger of both Construction and Engineering Construction bodies, and a ‘ruthless focus’ on key priorities such as growing resilience and targeting skills gaps. Further information: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679a01811c041dcc469daea0/2023_ITB_Review_Government_Response_Jan 25.pdf News: Correct fitting of respirators Those using tight-fitting masks will benefit from viewing this video from the HSE which covers the importance of a good seal to the face and the implications of failing to achieve it. Further information: https:// www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/fit-testing-basics.htm#video-ffred News: Stone worktop installation The HSE has published some simplified guidance on the subject of stone dust and the risk to stone worktop installers. Further information: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/01/07/new-simplified-advice-for-installers-of-stone-worktops/ News: Fire safety in flats Updated guidance has been published on the subject of fire safety within small blocks of flats. Further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-your-small-block-of-flats-safe-from-fire/a-guide-to-making-your-small- block-of-flats-safe-from-fire-accessible News: Concern over Large Panel Systems The latest safety scare regarding tall buildings relates to the structural safety of tower blocks constructed using Large Panel Systems (LPS). Further information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74elw4enl7o Case law: Skip Hire firm fined A Sheffield skip hire company, and its director have each been found guilty of safety offences due to poor standards, unsafe work on the street, and a lack of compulsory insurance. Photos: